Although it cannot go into space, it is the "health doctor" launched by Shenzhou 19.

On October 30, as the "ignition" command sounded in the launch hall, the Long March 2F Yao 19 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou 19 manned spacecraft took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Behind all this, the ground test launch control system, like a silently dedicated "health guardian", completed its "escort mission".

The "health doctor" who records the growth of rockets

Figure 1 On October 26, the launch site conducted a full-system launch drill

The ground test launch and control system is mainly responsible for tracking the launch and operation orbit of the spacecraft, monitoring the working status of the spacecraft, sending various work instructions, and realizing two-way communication between the user and the launch vehicle (spacecraft). It is equivalent to a "bridge" between the user and the launch vehicle (spacecraft) and plays a vital role in space missions.

To put it in a more vivid way, the ground test launch control system is like the rocket's "health guardian", always paying attention to every "vital sign" of the rocket. From rocket development to launch, the ground test launch control system will always check and record every "growth data" of the rocket to ensure that the rocket passes various "physical fitness" tests and rushes into the sky in the best condition to chase the stars.

Figure 2 The launch site organizes all units to conduct a full system joint exercise

In addition, the ground test, launch and control system also undertakes the important task of conducting a "comprehensive physical examination" for the rocket. It can conduct quantitative detection and qualitative monitoring, and provide engineers with detailed data support. This "physical examination" involves dozens of major projects, and the accuracy requirements of each project are extremely high, even accurate to the decimal point. These tests cover many aspects such as the performance evaluation of the rocket's electrical system and the accuracy check of parameter transmission. By analyzing these test results, the overall performance of the rocket can be evaluated. Only rockets that have been tested and meet the launch conditions will be powered, started, and measured by the ground test, launch and control system, and monitor whether the servo, telemetry, external security, propellant utilization and other systems are ready, whether the power supply is converted, and whether the battery voltage meets the standard. In this process, once any "discomfort" is found in the rocket, the ground test, launch and control system will immediately take "treatment" measures to ensure that the rocket is in the best condition before launch.

The "Hexagonal Warrior" with a heavy responsibility

The ground test, launch and control system is also a "hexagonal warrior" with important responsibilities.

First of all, it can achieve precise control over the power supply and distribution of the control system, and can choose automatic or manual control mode according to needs. It is like an intelligent power housekeeper and status control master, so that the energy supply and operating status of the rocket control system can be managed just right.

Secondly, it will complete a general check of various statuses and timely string measurements, just like a comprehensive "big scan" of the rocket, collecting all status information to ensure that the rocket is in the best condition before launch and without any potential problems.

Finally, during the rocket launch process, it can work in coordination with external systems to implement automatic or manual launch of the rocket as planned, and can respond quickly and perform emergency shutdown when necessary to ensure the safety of the rocket launch. It can be called the "commander" of the rocket launch, controlling the key steps of the launch and emergency handling.

It can be seen that the ground measurement, launch and control system is an indispensable part of space missions.

Development Trend of Ground Test and Control System

Today, with the vigorous development of artificial intelligence and automation technology, China's launch vehicle ground test and launch control system is developing towards intelligence, networking, integration and high reliability to meet the increasingly complex needs of space missions.

In the coming period, my country will accelerate the construction of space infrastructure such as manned space flight, lunar exploration, and new generation launch vehicles, and the continued development of space activities will put forward new demands on ground test and launch control systems. Driven by emerging technologies such as intelligent manufacturing, big data, and the Internet of Things, China's launch vehicle ground test and launch control system will also evolve from a functional system responsible for "measurement and transmission" to an intelligent system capable of "situational awareness, information transmission, information processing, and intelligent decision-making", and its form will evolve from "measurement and control stations, measurement ships, and relay satellites" to "integrated information networks of air, space, land, and sea".

Figure 3 The status of the Chinese space station complex and all equipment are working normally

The road to space is long and the task of fulfilling dreams is heavy. Exploring the vast universe, advancing the aerospace industry, and building a strong aerospace nation are the dreams that every aerospace worker is constantly pursuing. The future development of the aerospace industry is not only a poetic journey toward the stars and the sea, but also a long road full of challenges and difficulties. I hope that everyone who has the "great interests of the country" in mind will work hard for the sustainable development of the aerospace measurement and control industry!

Some information comes from CCTV News, China Aerospace News, Sohu.com, etc.

(Scientific review: Zhou Binghong, China's space science ambassador)